RALPH Hasenhuttl admitted the standout displays of new right-back Tino Livramento “had an effect” on usurped Kyle Walker-Peters, but praised the “very professional” reaction of the former Spurs man. Asked how Walker-Peters reacted to losing his position to Livramento for the opening Premier League games of the season,
Ralph Hasenhuttl said: “Very professional. Not easy in the beginning. You could feel it had an effect a little bit, especially because Tino was praised for his good performance. But the reaction he has shown on the training pitch and in the game now was exactly how it should be always. Not looking back, looking forward. Showing up, grabbing the chance you get to play and then do the best you can. This is what you need to do and what you have signed the deal for – do the best for the club in every position the manager puts you in. This is what I expect.”
With Livramento given the night off against Newport and fellow new recruit Romain Perraud on the bench, Valery stepped in at right-back at Rodney Parade, with Walker-Peters filling in on the left. Asked if he sees Walker-Peters as a left-back option he could look to utilise more often this season,
Ralph Hasenhuttl said: “I think he has shown that with his qualities he is also an option on the left side. I was very, very positive about his performance (at Newport) and yes, this is what I expected. That is the reason why I think on these positions we have at the moment a luxury problem if you want. But I like these problems more than the others to be honest!”
Walker-Peters is expected to be involved in the matchday squad for Saturday’s long trip to Newcastle United (3pm).
